Response to faecal microbiota transplantation in ulcerative colitis is not sustained long term following induction therapy

We read with interest the paper by Ng et al, 1 which discussed the need to optimise faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) processes in order to increase its therapeutic potential, especially in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While there is randomised controlled trial evidence that FMT can be effective in the induction of remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC),2–5 the durability of therapeutic response following FMT cessation is unknown. Furthermore, there is limited long-term safety data following FMT, especially in patients with IBD. In the FOCUS study, FMT delivered via an initial colonoscopy infusion, followed by enema therapy for 8 weeks was effective in mild to moderate UC remission induction.2 Here, we report the long-term outcomes from the FOCUS study. Enrolled study participants who received FMT (2013–2015) were contacted to assess time to disease relapse for patients in clinical remission following FMT induction (defined as worsening symptoms requiring escalation of medical therapy or surgery), disease progression and the development of adverse events or new medical conditions. Long-term data were obtained from 87% (68/78) of participants who received FMT, with a median follow-up of …